Construction & the Built Environment, Level 3 Diploma

The two-year course is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Triple Distinction*) or 144 UCAS points (Triple Distinction). You complete the 90-credit Diploma in the first year and the Extended Diploma in the second year. UCAS have recently changed the UCAS Tariff from September 2017 so they could include more qualifications. The new Tariff points are lower than the original Tariff points but the value remains the same, as universities will just use lower Tariff numbers in their entry requirements than in previous years.

Construction and the built environment is an ideal course for students wishing to become an Architect, Building Surveyor, Construction Manager, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor or any other professional/technician career pathways in the sector. You will study a range of subjects linked to the above careers including:

- Science and materials in construction - understanding heat, light and sound in connection to building requirements, structural members and loading, construction materials, their specifications and properties

- Graphic detailing - the equipment and media used; the production of plans and elevations using both manual and CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems

- Surveying in construction - uses of surveying equipment to carry out field surveys and produce plans

- Building surveying - carries out a building condition survey and prepares schedules for repairs and maintenance

- Building regulation and control - prepares drawings for planning applications and reviews the roles of the inspection of building control.

You will be working both individually and as part of a group on practical surveying exercises, science laboratory tests and in theory classes. We will also be visiting various construction projects with assignments based around these case studies. You will be using industry standard materials testing equipment, digital levels and theodolites.

You should have an inquiring mind and a desire to design buildings with an ambition to either get a job within the construction industry after the course or take a degree in this field before gaining employment.

This course will be part of a wider study programme, which may also include english & maths, work placement and additional studies.

What will I learn?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment consists of six mandatory units plus optional units to produce a combined total of 120 credits for the completed qualification. These include:

- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and the Built Environment
- Sustainable Construction
- Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment
- Science and Materials in Construction and the Built Environment
- Construction Technology and Design in Construction and Civil Engineering
- Building Technology in Construction

How will I be assessed?

All assessment for this qualification is criterion referenced, based on the achievement of specified learning outcomes. Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria which are to be used for grading purposes. A summative unit grade can be awarded at pass, merit or distinction.

Career Opportunities

This course provides an entry route to university to study construction related degrees, foundation degrees and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas). The course also provides an excellent basis for entry to a wide variety of employment opportunities within the construction industry on the technical and professional side. Many of the units will give you an insight into the career opportunities within the construction industry such as architecture, civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, control management and building surveying.

Entry requirements

A level 2 Diploma in a relevant subject plus GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade C (4) or above.

A background in or knowledge of the construction industry would be advantageous along with craft or professional qualifications in construction at level 2 or above.

Adult fees

£

Please note: If you are an adult student you may be entitled to financial support to cover the cost of your course, dependent on your circumstances. Please contact Student Services on enquiries@kendal.ac.uk for details. More about Student Finance.